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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2008

Governor Blagojevich Issues State Disaster Declaration for Bureau, Kendall and Woodford Counties for Flooding State assets, personnel available to help with recovery

SPRINGFIELD – Three additional Illinois counties were declared state disaster areas Tuesday following severe flooding that closed roads, forced people from their homes and inundated houses and businesses. Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s disaster declaration for Bureau, Kendall and Woodford counties makes available state assets and personnel that can help impacted communities recover from flooding caused by heavy rainfall last week.

“Several communities in Bureau, Kendall and Woodford counties are continuing to deal with flooding caused by exceptionally heavy rains,” said Governor Blagojevich. “Today I am issuing a state disaster declaration for these counties to ensure that they get the state assistance needed to quickly recover.”

Andrew Velasquez III, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, said personnel from his agency have been working with local officials in Bureau, Kendall and Woodford counties since flooding began to ensure they have the resources needed to deal with the flood and its aftermath.

“With flood waters still up in some areas, it’s difficult to fully evaluate the extent of damage,” Velasquez said. “We will continue to work with emergency managers in these counties to determine the impact to people, businesses and local governments and how we can help expedite the recovery process.” Velasquez advises people who experienced flood damage to report it to their local emergency management officials.

On Sept. 15, Governor Blagojevich declared seven counties state disaster areas due to flooding related to the same storm system, including Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will counties.